Throughout my career, my aim has always been to get to the level that he was at

Fabricio Coloccini

The plaudits have been coming in thick and fast ever since Coloccini led 10-man Newcastle’s brave resistance with a majestic performance against Sunderland last week.

The South American has become a hero to the Toon Army, ­overcoming a poor start to his ­career in England to become ­Newcastle’s most consistent performer in the past three years.

Coloccini, however, insists he is still playing catch-up with his dad Osvaldo.

“My biggest hero is my father ­because he played for 16 years in the first division in Argentina,” said the centre-half, who will face West Brom at St James’ Park ­tomorrow after starting on the bench against Bruges in the ­Europa League on Thursday.

“Throughout my career, my aim has always been to get to the level that he was at.

“Was he better than me? That is the question!

“It maybe is easy to play in the first division, but not so to stay there for as many years as he did. I can only say I’m better when I have played there for 16 years, like he did.”

Coloccini admits he was flattered when his manager mentioned him in the same breath as England’s 1966 World Cup-winning skipper.

But he would rather be mentioned in the same breath as Daniel Passarella, the defender who led Argentina to their first World Cup triumph in 1978.

“It would have been nice for him to say Daniel Passarella,” he said. “But of course, I know all about Bobby Moore. He is very famous in Argentina because he was one of the best defenders ever.

“I have to say ‘thank you’ to the manager for that compliment. For anyone to say that I’m like him, makes me very proud.

“I don’t know if Sunderland was my best performance for ­Newcastle but it was one of my most important.

“We had 10 men and were ­playing our big local rivals, so I had to play well.

“We nearly won the game, which is maybe why he said what he said.

“I’m happy with my form, but every day I try to learn new things.

“I have to keep working hard because every game is something different in England and you can take nothing for granted.

“If you stop working, you can be found out.”

Coloccini had a rare off night when the Baggies won 3-2 at St James’ Park 12 months ago.

Pardew, who will restore all his big guns to the side, is wary of the threat West Brom pose.

“Last year’s game was one of our most disappointing,” he said.

“I thought we were too open. They have got real pace, so you have to be careful when you ­attack them.”